some reason, Dan didn’t think this was her normal demeanour, that she was usually decisive, even though he didn’t know why he thought this. Anyway, after a moment she almost shyly stepped out into the lobby, reminding Dan of a young foal entering into the light for the first time after being born in the darkness of a stable.
They were almost at the door when Dan remembered something. The list of sales that the commissionaire had promised him! That was going to save him so much time, he didn't want to miss out on getting them.
‘Ah, sorry, Tess, I just need to pick something up from the guy on the desk. Won’t be a moment.’
The commissionaire was busy with a couple, chatting over holiday plans and was writing something in a hard-backed notebook. Dan guessed that it was something to do with holding their post until they got back. He hovered a polite distance away, in eyesight but out of effective earshot and waited his turn
Presently, the couple moved off towards the lift and the commissionaire turned to Dan.
‘Ah, Mr Jackson, all done? I’ve got that list for you.’
He reached down behind his counter and pulled out a single piece of paper.
‘These are the apartments that have changed hands over the last six months…and I’ve also put on those that are on the market at the moment. That do you?’
‘That’s great,’ said Dan, ‘Thanks Mr Holt.’ He had now noticed that the man had his name and the logo of the building on his name badge; T.Holt, Commissionaire.
‘Just call me Tommy, lad. Nice flats aren’t they? Cost a pretty penny though.’
‘They are and they do. Wish I could afford one.’
‘Can’t afford them? Thought you’d be rollin’ in it.’
Dan gave a snort of laughter.
‘I’m rolling in something, Tommy but it’s not money I’m afraid. Thanks again for this,’ he said, carefully clipping the sheet in behind his survey notes. ‘I guess I might see you again, market willing. Bye Tommy.’
He offered his hand, and Tommy shook it.
‘Bye, Mr Jackson.’
‘Dan.’
‘OK Dan, have a good one.’
Dan turned away then stopped.
The lobby was empty. There was no sign of Tess.
Puzzled, he stepped outside and looked up and down the street. Other than a middle-aged woman getting out of a car there was no one else in sight. Perhaps she had gone round to wait in the car park? He went through the lobby and into the car park but there was no sign of her there either. He even checked to see if she was sat in one of the other cars but they were all empty. He had a moment of hope when the door to the building opened but it was a long haired young man with a sports bag who gave Dan a wary look before getting into his car.
Thoughtfully Dan unlocked the Skoda and threw the clipboard onto the passenger seat. Had she had a change of mind? Decided that he was crazy, too much of a risk to go anywhere with? Possibly, he certainly wouldn't blame her if she had.
He almost drove off but decided to take one more shot at it. There was something about her, something he couldn't put his finger on; that meant that he wasn't going to give up on her just yet.
And he was lonely. He had to admit that to himself; awfully lonely.
He went back inside, using the proximity card again. The lobby was empty apart from Tommy who looked up in surprise from his newspaper.
‘Back already? Forgotten something?’
Dan took his glasses off and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He was beginning to get a headache, perhaps it was a delayed hangover coming on.
‘I…er…seem to have mislaid a girl.’ He knew how foolish that sounded.
‘Now that is careless,’ laughed Tommy, ‘You don’t want to get into a habit of doing that. Pretty?’
‘She was rather nice,’ Dan found himself blushing, ‘Didn’t you see her? She came down in the lift with me.’
Tommy rubbed his chin, ‘Nope I didn’t notice her, didn't notice anyone,’ he said slowly, looking at Dan through hooded eyes, ‘I was talking to the Patels though. Odd that I didn’t see her, still.’
Dan thought briefly about going back up to the flat but then felt a brief stab of anger. He had better things to do than stand around like a lemon making a fool of himself.
But the anger surprised him. It was unsettling; it was not an emotion that he or anyone else associated him with. It left a